The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY,OCTOBER 15, 1897. THE NEW SOUTH WALES EDUCATION SYSTEM.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXV, Issue 24, 15 October 1897, Page 17

The New Zealand Tablet. Fiat Justitia. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1897. THE NEW SOUTH WALES EDUCATION SYSTEM.

HE New South Wales education system, particularly with regard to the provisions it contains for religious instruction in the schools, is beinocontinually held up by representatives of the Bible-in-schools Leagues as the happy solution k of the education question, and one which the Government of this Colony would do well to adopt, avoiding, as it does on the one hand the, extreme of out-and-out denominationalism, and, on the other, the bald secularism of the present system. Only a fortnight ago we quoted from a letter written by the Rev. Dr. Copland, a prominent Presbyterian minister, in which it was stated that the Protestant sects were practically unanimous in their approval of the Irish National Scripture Lessonbook as a text-book for the schools, and in which the suggestion was made that the sects should combine and make a united demand for its introduction. Should this united demand ever eventuate, it is certain that the petitioners will ask that the proposed change be made on the lines of the Kew South Wales system. We propose, therefore, for the benefit of our readers who may not be familiar with this system, to outline its main provisions as regards religious instruction, to point out briefly its defects, and to summarise our reasons for holding that this much-vaunted system is wholly inadequate and altogether unsatisfactory.

First, as to the main features of the system. Section seven of the Public Instruction Act of New South Wales provides that general religious teaching shall form part of the course of secular instruction. In the junior classes when children are unable to read, all lessons are given orally in the form of lectures, and are rather vaguely described in the syllabus as consisting of " Narratives and moral lessons." In classes above the second the Irish National Scripture Lesson-books are regularly read. There are two volumes of Old and two volumes of New Testament lessons, which are supposed to be gone through in the course of a given number of years. All teachers are required to teach" these lessons whether they believe in them or not, and this religious teaching has to be given during ordinary school hours and as part of the regular school work in precisely the same way as geography and grammar are taught. The Inspector is supposed to examine the school in Scripture just as lie would in singing or drill, and. theoretically, the failure of any class to reach the standard in that subject would tell against the teacher. Wesay " theoretically," because a gentleman who had taught for many years under the system informed us sometime ago that, as a matter of fact, in the case of a large number of schools, the Inspectors do not trouble to examine at all in this subject. Even when they do, they generally leave it to the last, and the asking of two or three purely superficial, or, in some cases, absolutely farcical questions constitutes 'the " examination "in this subject. In addition to this general religious instruction, section seventeen of the Act provides for what is called special religious instruction. Any recognised clergyman or other teacher authorised by his Church has the right to give to the children of his own denomination one hour's religious instruction daily. Unlike the general instruction, this may consist of worship and purely sectarian teaching. It is given during the ordinary school hours, and, where two or more clergymen of different denominations visit the school, the teacher, the clergymen, and the School Board are empowered to make such arrangements as may be convenient to all concerned. As a rule, no teacher of special religious instruction visits more than once a week. We should add that the Act provides that a parent may withdraw his children from all religious instruction by notifying his wish in writing to the teacher. The scheme thus outlined looks fair enough on paper, but a very little examination and a closer acquaintance with its actual working reveal many radical defects. We

enumerate a few of the more obvious objections to the system. (1) The text-book used (the Irish Scripture Lesson-book) is wholly unsuitable. It is most objectionable to Catholics because, as we have already pointed out, it was compiled for the express purpose of undermining the faith of the Catholic children of Ireland. But apart from Catholic opinion it is generally agreed, even amongst nonCatholics, that the book is very unsuitable. Those who believe in definite dogmatic religious teaching complain that there is not enough of dogma in the book ; those who favour a believe-what-you-like Christianity declare there is too much. The department admit that the book is far from satisfactory, but they are afraid to introduce any other for fear of arousing a fresh outburst of angry criticism. (2) It is most objectionable, for obvious reasons, to have religious instruction given by men who may not even believe in the existence of God, and very few of whom could be reasonably expected to believe in all the hotch-potch they are called upon to teach. It is easy to estimate the moral value of religious instruction so given. (3) Under this system religion is treated as a mere " extra," instead of as the one thing necessary, the grand foundation of all true education. Its relative value, under this system, is shown in the following scale which is laid down by the department for the guidance of Inspectors : Reading is to count as 100 ; writing, 100 ; dictation, 100 ; arithmetic, 100 ; grammar, 100 ; geography, 70 ; object lessons, drill, and Scripture, 60 each. Religion is thus, so to speak, " thrown in along with drill, object lessons, and other extras, and the children will soon learn to estimate its value and importance by the vicious standard thus supplied in their ordinary daily school work. (4) The provision giving an hour a day (or rather an hour a week as it is in actual practice) for definite religious instruction does not compensate for this defect, because in the great majority of the country schools this provision is practically a dead letter. The clergymen in the country generally find that they have a number of schools within their parish or district, and it is simply impossible for them to overtake the work of visiting. This provision is, therefore, as we have said, virtually inoperative so far as the vast majority of the country schools are concerned. And even in the city schools where the provision is largely taken advantage of, it is absurd to suppose that the religious instruction and training necessary to build up a strong upright Christian character can be packed into a single hour a week. (5) The results of the system do not afford any evidence that the children derive any real moral benefit from the so-called religious instruction. As a matter of fact, according to statistics, the percentage of juvenile crime is higher in New South Wales than in any of the other colonies. One does not wish to push the argument from statistics too far, but when so much is claimed for a system we are justified in expecting some practical result. (0) To sum up, the system, so far as religious instruction is concerned, is a fraud and a sham, a delusion and a snare. It is a sham because religions instruction is given only in name ; the reality is entirely wanting. It is a snare because the idea that their children are receiving religious instruction at school lulls the parents' conscience to sleep, and they neglect to give even that amount of home instruction to their children which otherwise they would have given. We are glad to be able to give high and unimpeachable authority in support of our opinion as to the delusive nature of the religious instruction proposals of the New South Wales system. Says the Melbourne Age of a recent date :—": — " The Victorian Government have had an official in the mother colony making enquiries into the statements of those who wish to introduce the Bible into the State schools, and the official reports adversely. The whole tenor of Mr. Stewart's conclusions goes to show that the adoption of the New South Wales system in Victoria would be a grave mistake." " While in Sydney," continues the Melbourne daily, "attending the Federal Convention, Sir George Turner and Mr. Peacock have both looked into the matter of Scripture lessons as given in the State schools of that colony, and have visited several of the schools to observe the character of the religious teaching. They are both of opinion that the so-called religious instruction is a sham, and that the youth of Victoria would derive no benefit from the introduction of a similar method into this colony." We have by no meams exhausted the criticisms that might be levelled against the system, but we have said sufficient to

show that it is a miserable mixture of compromise and sham, and that the idea that such a scheme could be accepted as a final settlement of the education question in New Zealand is ridiculous and absurd.

The Most Rev. Dr. Verdon concludes his visitation in the South this week and leaves for Melbourne by the Manapouri on Monday next.

By the s.s. Talune on Wednesday, loth ult., Miss Amy M'Donall, daughter of Mr. J. F. M'Donall, H.M.S. Customs (late Warden-General A.H.C. Guild), left Sydney to join the Sisters of Mercy, Dunedin, New Zealand. This foundation of Sisters of Mercy, established from Singleton, New South Wales, by Bishop Verdon early in this year already includes a member of the M'Donall family— Sister Mary Bcrtrand. Miss Amy M'Donall, who is to be " received " this week, will take as her religious name Sister Mary Magdalen. A large number of friends, including the Rev. Father Cove", S.M., went on board the Talune to bid Miss M'Donall Godspeed. — Sydney Freeman.

We are pleased to note that Dr. Mcllroy, of Milton, has been selected for the position of medical officer to the Grey Valley Miners' Association at Brunnerton. Dr. Mcllroy studied at St. Patrick's College, Wellington, and for a time also, we believe, at Otago University, finishing his medical course at Home. He was a most successful student, and we are sure he will fill his |new position with credit to himself and complete satisfaction to the Association.

The following subscription to the South Dunedin Catholic Orphange has been received during the week : — Mr. M. Carr (Invercargill) £1. Contributions towards the erection of the Orphanage will be thankfully received by the Sisters of Mercy, South Dunedin, and by the Catholic clergy of Dunedin, and will be duly acknowledged in the columns of the Tablet.

Says the lliamcs Star of the 27th ult : — The impressive function of the renewal of the baptismal vows by the children of the Catholic school, Howick, eventuated at the eleven o'clock Mass on Sunday, Monsignor McDonald being celebrant. The little ones were neatly attired in white dresses with wreaths, and carefully prepared for the function by Miss White, teacher. Miss Mary Cadigan read the prescribed form in a distinct and very pleasing manner, being supported by Miss Brady and Miss Kearney, children of tender years. Notwithstanding the boisterous weather there was a good congregation, and all seemed very pleased with the effective manner in which the ceremony was carried out.

Says the Thames Star of October 4 :— The Right Rev. Dr. Lenihon, Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland, is at present on the Thames, having ecclesiastical business to attend to in connection with this part of the diocese. As will be seen from the report of the services held in St. Francis de Sales Church last evening, he was accorded a most cordial welcome. It is always gratifying to note the friendliness existing between a Bishop and his parishioners, as when mutual good feeling continues between persons united in spiritual sympathy, the best results may be naturally looked for. It is not in the least surprising that Dr. Lenihan should have been well received on the present occasion, as he was always most popular with his parishioners, long before his promotion to the high office he now holds*. That the right reverend gentleman may long retain the good wishes and cordial co-operation of all with whom he may come in contact, is an expression of opinion everyone should endorse.

The Southern Mcwngcr, San Antonio, Texas, of September fl ( has the following, which will be of interest to Wellington readers : — The following, taken from the Wellington correspondence of the New Zealand Tablet, will be interesting to our readers, as the Rev. Father James Goggan referred to is well-known and highlyesteemed in Texas. He is a brother of Messrs. Michael Goggan of this city and Thomas and John Goggan of Galveston, composing the well-known firm of Thomas Goggan and Bros., music dealers. Father Goggan himself has been a frequent visitor here, and his eloquent voice has been heard in the pulpit of St. Mary's Church on several occasions.

As announced in our columns some time ago the members of the Dunedin Catholic Literary Society have undertaken to make a special effort in aid of the funds of the new Catholic hall that is soon to be taken in hand. The effort is to take the form of a play, and the drama " Henry Dunbar." by Tom Taylor has been selected. Full particulars will appear in a future issue. Meantime it is s fticient to way that the performers havejbeen in active rehearsal for some months under the able " coaching " of Mr. Barrie Marschel and that there are the best of reasons for anticipating a rnost^successf ul performance and a bumper house.

During the past week we have received parcels of stamps for Father Kreymborg's mission from the following : — Miss Delia Ryan, Ashburton Forks ; Mary Fitzgerald, Pahia ; Mary Caldwell, Wedderburn ; C. J. Galleyen, Ophir ; Jane E. Hayes, Cromwell ; and from " Kilbirnie." For the benefit of one correspondent we may state that stamps of any kind and of any age are useful.

We give below the list of successes achieved in the recent Trinity College examinations by pupils of the Sisters of Mercy from the Christchurch and Greymouth convents. The total number of passeß gained is 27, made up as follows :—: — Senior (Honours, 2 ; Senior Pass, 8 ; Intermediate Pass, 7 ; Junior Pass, 10. The following are the names of the successful candidates : — Senior Honours — Mary Stanislaus McDonnell, 92 ; Evelyn Tarrant, 86. Senior Pass — Evelyn Tarrant, 87 ; Lizzie Taylor, 86 ; Florrie Heard, 83 ; Jessie Hambleton, 83 ; Lena Jay, 81 ; Katie Sheedy, 77 ; Dorothea Loughnan, 73 ; Nellie Slattery, 72. Intermediate Pass — Maude Bradshaw, 91 ; Lizzie McDonnell, 86 ; Katie McLean, 77 ; Florence McDonnell, 76 : May Gamble, 74 ; Eva Butler, 73 ; Ruby Jackson. 60. Junior Pass — Alice Scott, 97 ; Alice McGill, 95 ; Mary E. Noonan, 94 ; John Hannan, 86 ■ Philip C. Heaphy, 85 ; Teresa O'Connor, 85 ; Rosabel Weber, 84 ; Percy Augarde, 80 ; Fanny Wafforn, 79 ; Josephine O'Brien, 71. The success achieved by the Greymouth candidates was so remark, able that the secretary of the New Zealand local centre, Mr. H. A. Parker, felt called upon to bear public testimony to the excellence of the results obtained. Mr. Parker has written as follows to the Very Rev. Father Carew :—": — " Trinity College, London, New Zealand Local Centre, Wellington, 2Uth September. The Very Rev. Father Carew, Greymouth. Dear Sir, — I am forwarding herewith the cards of the Greymouth candidates for distribution. The marks obtained at your centre are so remarkable that I think it would be nice if you were to put a local in the papers about it. Not a single cxndidate has failed and only one or two have got less than 70 per cent, a splendid result and far superior to that achieved by any other centre. It speaks very highly indeed for the teaching given i a Greymouth, and particularly in the convent, that year after year the candidates should do so well, and consistently beat the candidates in other centres. The local papers would no doubt be very pleased to get a list of the marks obtained, and would no doubt insert a few of these remarks. If so I shall feel grateful if you will kindly forward me a copy for reference purposes. The certificates will follow in due course. — I am dear Sir. yours faithfully, H. A. Paiiker." This is indeed a compliment to the good Sisters, and we heartily congratulate them on this public and spontaneous recognition of the efficiency and success of i their work.